Seibu Lions. Haruto Yamada pitcher (21) took his first case strike on the 20th.

With runner on second and third, he advanced catch the ball that hitter had attempted to squeeze, then throw runner home plate with a glove toss, showing off a brilliant defense. "I was trying out breaking ball, and (pitcher coach) Toyoda-san told me, 'You were able to show your strengths,' so I think that was good," he said, wiping the sweat from his brow.

Last season, his third year as a pro, he was promoted to the first team immediately after the start of the season and made a big leap by playing in 49 games, including his first professional appearance, as part of the team's win formula. Practice games will also start on the 22nd. "I think we'll be getting closer to real games, so I want to work hard to be able to throw all of breaking ball in the zone," he said enthusiastically.